Namibian national men’s and women’s indoor hockey coaches Trevor and Shayne Cormack are filled with excitement as they prepare for the upcoming Indoor Africa Cup, scheduled for 23 to 26 May in Swakopmund.
Host Namibia, along with Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana, will compete in this tournament.
Trevor, leading the men’s team, revealed that preparations began in April, with the first training camp held last weekend in Windhoek.
The team will reunite in Swakopmund next week for a final training camp and team-building programme to acclimatise before the competition.
They aim to reach the final stage, securing a spot in next year’s Indoor World Cup in Croatia.
Cormack expressed confidence in the team’s fitness and spirits, anticipating a world-class performance.
Meanwhile, Shayne, his wife who coaches the senior women’s team, emphasised their focus on defending their title and qualifying for the World Cup.
“Our goal is to qualify for the World Cup. This remains our sole focus, and I believe the ladies have shown commitment and are working hard to achieve this goal,” she added.
The team will embark on their final training camp in Swakopmund on 17 May, with determination and commitment evident among the players.
Both national teams will face Zimbabwe on 23 May, South Africa on 24 May and Botswana on 25 May. Whichever teams make it through will play the final on 26 May.
The Namibian women’s side consisting of Petro Stofberg, Jamie Henckert, Gillian Hermanus, Sunelle Ludwig, Kiana-Che Cormack, Azaylee Philander, Jivanka Kruger, Jerrica Bartlett, Amber Dercksen, Jahntwa Kruger, Kyla Landsberg and Danja Meyer are set on defending their title, which they won in 2021 in Durban after beating South Africa 2-0 in the final.
The Namibian men’s team comprises David Strauss, Roben Kambinda, Ernest Jacobs, Dakota Hansen, David Britz, Liam Hermanus, John-Paul Britz, Nico Neethling, Cody van der Merve, Owen Hatton, Fagan Hansen and Brynn Cleak.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na